chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is one of the most popular side dishes that you can easily replicate at home. Known for its flavorful combination of broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a barbecue or looking for a quick side dish, this copycat recipe delivers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about making this delicious salad, along with some helpful tips, common variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Plus, we’ll link out to useful resources along the way to help you discover more about the world of Chicken Salad Chick recipes.
What is Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe?
Chicken Salad Chick is famous for its variety of flavorful chicken salads, but their broccoli salad has also gained immense popularity as a side dish. Made with simple ingredients like broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a sweet and tangy dressing, this dish offers a great balance of texture and taste.
This broccoli salad recipe stands out because it complements well with many other dishes such as grilled meats and chicken salad variations like the Sassy Scotty and Cranberry Kelli. The salad is easy to prepare and is perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients Required for Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
This copycat recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Broccoli florets – Use fresh broccoli for the best texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Grating your own cheese is recommended for better flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds a subtle creaminess to the dish.
- Bacon bits – You can either fry your own bacon or use store-bought bits.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang to the creamy dressing.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity from the vinegar.
- Mayonnaise – Duke’s mayonnaise is commonly recommended to get the closest taste to the original recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences:
- Swap out sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or a tangy blue cheese for a bold flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or toasted nuts.
- Lighten up the dressing by using a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Here is a complete guide to preparing this copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad:
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s mayonnaise) and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Take 3 ½ cups of broccoli florets, cutting them into small bite-sized pieces. Ensure the broccoli is fresh for maximum crunch.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Toss the broccoli into the dressing mixture and stir well to ensure the florets are fully coated.
- Add the Cheese and Bacon:
- Grate ½ cup of sharp cheddar and ¼ cup of mozzarella. Add the cheeses along with ¼ cup of bacon bits to the salad.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Tips for Making the Perfect Broccoli Salad
Making a broccoli salad is simple, but these tips can take it to the next level:
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of the salad. Grating your own cheese leads to a creamier consistency.
- Fry Your Own Bacon: While store-bought bacon bits are convenient, frying fresh bacon provides a richer, crispier texture.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors combine and enhances the overall taste.
How to Store Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is not only delicious when fresh, but it also stores well for later. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Refreshing the Salad: If the salad starts to lose its crunch, add a bit more mayonnaise and toss before serving.
- Do Not Freeze: Broccoli salad does not freeze well because the dressing may separate, and the texture of the broccoli will change.
Looking for a hearty meal to pair with your broccoli salad? Try this Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning Recipe for a perfectly seasoned steak.
Customizing Your Broccoli Salad
There are endless ways to customize your broccoli salad to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- For Extra Crunch: Add nuts like pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- For Sweetness: Toss in dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins to give the salad a sweet, tangy note.
- Vegan Options: Use a vegan mayonnaise and skip the bacon. Instead, add toasted seeds or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
Alternative Dressings
- Greek Yogurt – Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Honey Mustard – Create a sweeter dressing by mixing in honey and Dijon mustard.
You can also explore how to make other restaurant-style dishes at home, like this No-Bake Funfetti Oreo Icebox Cake for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This broccoli salad pairs beautifully with various main dishes and other sides:
- Chicken Salad: Serve it alongside Chicken Salad Chick’s Sassy Scotty or Cranberry Kelli.
- Grilled Meats: The creamy, crunchy salad complements grilled chicken, pork, or beef.
- Other Side Dishes: Pair with potato salad, coleslaw, or macaroni salad for a complete spread.
FAQs About Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Can I Make This Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made up to a day in advance. The flavors will develop more as it sits in the fridge, but be sure to give it a quick stir before serving.
What Type of Mayonnaise Should I Use?
For the closest match to the Chicken Salad Chick version, use Duke’s mayonnaise. It has a tangier, richer flavor compared to other brands.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
While you can use frozen broccoli florets, fresh broccoli provides a better texture and crunch. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the salad.
How Can I Make the Dressing Lighter?
To make a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayonnaise alternative.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use in This Salad?
Sharp cheddar works best, but you can also use feta, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Popular Variations of Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Bacon-Free Broccoli Salad: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, and add extra cheese or a crunchy topping like nuts or seeds.
- Cheese Alternatives: For a richer taste, try adding blue cheese, or make it dairy-free by using vegan cheese.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by including diced red onions, bell peppers, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Sweet Broccoli Salad: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy dressing.
Broccoli Salad for Different Occasions
This versatile salad can be tailored for various occasions:
- Potlucks and Barbecues: Double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. It’s a great side dish for summer gatherings.
- Holiday Dinners: Add dried cranberries and pecans for a festive twist during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Family Meals: Prepare it as a quick side dish for weeknight dinners or serve it alongside roasted chicken.
Check out this Reese’s Bundt Cake Recipe for a delicious dessert to serve alongside this savory broccoli salad.
Conclusion
This copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of crunchy broccoli, tangy apple cider vinegar, and savory bacon makes it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or need a side dish for a potluck, this salad is sure to please.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and try out different variations to make this dish your own. We’d love to hear your take on this recipe, so don’t hesitate to share your own broccoli salad creations!